I try to refrain from starting new threads unless I really have something pertinent to say, so here goes... As some of you know I am a stand-up comedian, started here in Houston but I tour nationwide, Aretha Franklin being my latest celebrity employer. I was doing a pretty high profile event here in Houston on last Saturday evening in front of roughly 2,000 people at the George R. Brown, and among the notables was a contingent of political brass from the Asian community. During my performance, I referenced the diversity of the city and gave three examples, "We have an african american mayor, one of the largest latino communities in the country and a sports scene that's best indentified by a 7'5 Chinaman." That line along with the rest of my show went rather well, and my corporate employers were pleased with my performance. This morning I get a call asking me to phone the office of a high ranking asian offical because they took issue with some of my comments, I phoned the office ready to apologize, because hell I'm a comedian, and even if I'm right I take the high road. I was advised by a spokesman for the offical that the word 'Chinaman' is a derogatory term for all Chinese people, and she went on to point out that it would be like someone calling me a '******.' I hate to drop the 'N' bomb among a crew that I really respect, but I am pissed at the parallel and ask for your opinion. The racial climate is dense enough in this town without creating new problems. If the 'C' word is that vile, then why is it not common knowledge? If the 'C' word is like using the 'N' word, then is the 'G' word(rhyming with luke), or the other 'C' word (rhyming with blink), worse than them all? I DON'T THINK SO
Everyone's kinda got their own opinion about what they think a word like that means. To most it's nothing but to one it may be a big deal. It's just that one complaining about it that will bring you down. I wouldn't get too caught up in all that but just be aware that someone may take offense to it.
I recall a post regarding this subject about three weeks ago. This word offended a number of posters.
Not sure if that belongs in this thread, but yes, that's a term one should not use. If you were Asian, maybe you could use it in the same context that African-Americans use the N word. It's a shame that we have such double standards. WHy is it ok for African-American's to use the N word with each other, but if it comes out of my mouth, it's like I shot Kennedy. People at my work call me gringo or white boy or whatever. I take no offense because I really don't care. I am a WASP, White Anglo Saxon Protestant. I am white. If someone wants to make themselves feel better at my expense, go ahead. I sleep fine at night and am proud of my family. I really don't concern myself with what others think of me. I can't spend my life trying to please everyone, just God. People get really touchy in this world.
Hey there, The thing is, not all Chinese people like the term 'chinaman' because not all chinese people like china. When China was being taken over by the communists, there was a group of people who fled china to taiwan to escape the communists. These people are neither really 'taiwanese' (tawainese are refered to the people who lived in taiwan before the communists forced people to flee) and these people are not really 'Chinamen' either. They are simply Chinese. I for one live here in Houston and was born here, however my grandparents like many many others that i know fled China to taiwan... and i do believe those are the people that you are offending. In short, because they do not like being associated with communism
Its not the word itself but the historical context of it. It was used by imperialist during the chinese occupation. It was also used during the railroad days where chinese people were used as slaves. Most people don't know this because Asians in general (due to culture, religion and Confusious) tend to avoid conflict. So even when someone offends them, they will still be somewhat friendly. I believe that is one of the reasons why Asians have done so well economically and socially but not politically. So its not the word but how it was historically used like the word "Negro" and the "N" that derives from it.
I just asked my girlfriend who is Asian whether she believes that term is derogatory. She said unequivocally YES.
This isn't really the place for it, but the "C" term is every bit as derogatory, and has a very similar history to the "N" word. I'm not sure which is "worse," but the other two terms you mention are of more recent vintage. The "G" word (sigh, I feel like I'm on Sesame Street) is meant as a slur on all Asians.
I did not know that your "C" would cause that kind of reaction either. In this touchy PC world, I guess its best to apologize and move on. Thanks for the info.
For those of you that think that I am questioning the validity of their complaint, I am not. I am merely posing a question, and stating my position. As for Anglos that question why members of the same race posses more liberties of speech within their race, you just don't get it, and probably never will.
this topic has already been disgusted rather throughly.. http://bbs.clutchcity.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=34044
This should really be in the Hangout forum. Trust me, it's offensive. I wouldn't put it on a parallel with the "N" word, and many Chinese, Chinese-Americans may not find it offensive, but many do. More than just an annoying token leftist PC minority as some try to make out. I do agree that words are just words, and people shouldn't fly off the handle without thinking what the person who uses a word one finds objectionable is trying to say. Let's put this to rest, if we can. I think plenty has been said on this board about questionable terminology and appropriate responses for most of us to understand each other if not agree.
IMHO you should have just said Chinese not Chinaman! One thing I would like to make quite clear though- Asia is a Continent and have a big variety of people- Caucasians and Orientals dominate. So be careful to clarify when saying Asian, IMHO its better to say which country in Asia so that we might know if its relavent to our future Center or our TV/Gear Market. And then there is not only Asia but also Asia Minor .
AB: I'm actually glad you posted because, as you said, you want to learn. That's really the most important part of it. If you don't know, it is hard to blame you for it. I'm sure most of us have been in that situation and it sucks. Getting busted for something you didn't even know was wrong is embarrassing. I remember reading the "F" word on the wall of a bathroom stall in grade school not knowing what it was and a teacher who was in there at the time explained it to me and kinda laughed a little too which was nice. Best thing we can do is learn and move on.
And over it is... Thank you guys very much, I have learned a great deal and will select my communities more carefully from hence forth. HAVE A GREAT NIGHT TO EACH OF YOU, and, ah hem Go Rockets!!!!!!!!!
I would think "Chink" or slanty eyed pole smoker would be more offensive than "Chinaman" I could name off quite few more... Rice eater Rice peddler Wang Chung etc It is just a word.... If Chinamen is in the same category as the "n" word then I guess Cracker or honkey is right behind. Amazing how people can't take jokes..... I would not have apologized, considering I did not see any apology for China's poster on the wall, when they snapped a pic of Ming. You should have mentioned that..... Your gonna hear alot more than that if Ming is a bust. I hope for the Big guys sake he is ready for the trash talk in the NBA. I can just hear Payton now.....Come on YO YO let me see what ya got......He is the king of trash talk!
It's in vogue to bash political correctness like it's some plague that has affected the sensibilities of an entire nation. Not calling someone a derogatory term is just a common courtesy that should be afforded any human being. To put it in its proper context, there used to be signs outside saloons in San Franciso that said no dogs or chinamen allowed. Yes, it's political correctness run amok again.
